It has been four decades since one of the most stunning areas of the Jurassic Coast was taken on by a conservation charity, securing its place as a site of outstanding ecological, geological and paleontological importance.

To celebrate, 100 members of the Golden Cap Association (GCA) joined the West Dorset National Trust team at Stonebarrow to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the association and the acquisition of Golden Cap itself by the National Trust.

Short introductory speeches by Gordon Simmons, chairman of the association, Hannah Jefferson, general manager of National Trust in West Dorset and Helen Mann, former general manager, celebrated the vision of National Trust members in forming the GCA, the foresight in acquiring the site and the ongoing work of the current team based at the estate's Filcombe Farm to maintain and protect it for the benefit of generations to come.

The GCA - a 400-strong group made up of Trust members and volunteers mainly from Bridport, Beaminster, Burton Bradstock, Morecombelake, Chideock and Charmouth - formed in April 1978 and, later the same year, moved to secure the Golden Cap itself .

More than 24 acres of land was bought with money raised by an appeal in memory of the Earl of Antrim, a former chairman of the National Trust and champion of Enterprise Neptune.

Any surpluses generated by the association's activities go directly to the Trust locally and, since it was formed, the GCA has donated nearly £130,000 to projects identified by the team to help maintain and manage the natural heritage here in West Dorset.

Along with other Trust coastal properties at Burton Bradstock, Cogden, and West Bexington, Golden Cap is also host to a rich variety of animal and plant life.

Part of the iconic Jurassic Coast, Golden Cap is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of outstanding ecological, geological and paleontological importance and, although the focus of the GCA's support is local, is stresses there is a national and international dimension to that support for the benefit of generations to come.

The GCA offer activities such as talks, walks, coach visits, quizzes and lunches to make Trust membership more enjoyable.

Upcoming events include:

Wed 10 Oct Visit SS Great Britain & Museum, Bristol

Mon 29 Oct Talk Montacute House, Filming, Funding and the Future by Graham Meaden, 2:30

Wed 7 Nov Visit Stourhead House & Gardens, Wiltshire

Fri 16 Nov Social Quiz & Fish 'n' Chip Lunch, WI Hall, Bridport, 11:30

Mon 26 Nov Talk The Gardens of the First World War by Christine Stones, 2:30

For more information, visit goldencapnt.org.uk